Augmented reality system for guards of controlled environment residents

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides details of a system and method for a communication device for guards in a controlled environment. The communication device is established based on a wireless infrastructure in the controlled environment, receiving wireless positioning signals to calculate and determine the real-time location of personnel carrying the device. The indoor wireless positioning can be combined with other available positioning methods to provide highly accurate positioning information of the personnel. The communication device detects and records activities of the personnel during a period of time, and is controlled by the control center. The status of personnel is monitored by control center. Meanwhile, the communication device has AR functions that allow physical objects and augmented reality element to be displayed to the personnel at the same time. The personnel can thus have improved awareness of the surrounding environment and can respond to various potential dangers more effectively.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/799,553 filed on Oct. 31, 2017, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Field

The disclosure relates to a system and method for communication devicesfor guards of controlled environments.

Background

In a controlled environment, staff/guards constantly need to go ondifferent assignments which places the staff/guards at locations withlimited communication with the control center of the controlledenvironment, or in situations where staff/guards have difficultiesdetecting and responding quickly to potential danger. In somesituations, activities of guards lack monitoring, giving somestaff/guards the opportunity to get involved in importation ofcontraband goods into the controlled environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a partof the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosureand, together with the description, further serve to explain theprinciples of the disclosure and to enable a person skilled in thepertinent art to make and use the embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a communication system for guardsof a controlled environment, according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure,

FIG. 2 illustrates elements of a communication system for guards of acontrolled environment, according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a portable device for guards of acontrolled environment, according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4A illustrates an augmented reality (AR) device for guards of acontrolled environment, according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4B illustrates a block diagram of the AR device for guards of acontrolled environment, according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4C illustrates an exemplary interface for displaying an augmentedreality input interface using the wearable device, according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of a wearable device for guards of acontrolled environment, according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6A illustrates a block diagram of an indoor map of a controlledenvironment, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B illustrates views of a user of an AR device for guards of acontrolled environment, according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of a control center of a controlledenvironment, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart diagram of methods of tracking of guardsand detecting a suspicious wireless signal, according to embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart diagram of methods of tracking of guardsand detecting objects behind the guard, according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart diagram of methods of tracking of guardsand detecting multi-functional wireless devices used by inmates,according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a computer system, according to exemplaryembodiments of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure will be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicateidentical or functionally similar elements. Additionally, the left mostdigit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing in which thereference number first appears.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following Detailed Description refers to accompanying drawings toillustrate exemplary embodiments consistent with the disclosure.References in the Detailed Description to “one exemplary embodiment,”“an exemplary embodiment,” “an example exemplary embodiment,” etc.,indicate that the exemplary embodiment described may include aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every exemplaryembodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature,structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarilyreferring to the same exemplary embodiment. Further, when a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with anexemplary embodiment, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in therelevant art(s) to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic inconnection with other exemplary embodiments whether or not explicitlydescribed.

The exemplary embodiments described herein are provided for illustrativepurposes, and are not limiting. Other exemplary embodiments arepossible, and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodimentswithin the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the DetailedDescription is not meant to limit the invention. Rather, the scope ofthe invention is defined only in accordance with the following claimsand their equivalents.

Embodiments may be implemented in hardware (e.g., circuits), firmware,software, or any combination thereof. Embodiments may also beimplemented as instructions stored on a machine-readable medium, whichmay be read and executed by one or more processors. A machine-readablemedium may include any mechanism for storing or transmitting informationin a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computing device). For example,a machine-readable medium may include read only memory (ROM); randomaccess memory (RAM); magnetic disk storage media; optical storage media;flash memory devices; electrical, optical, acoustical or other forms ofpropagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digitalsignals, etc.), and others. Further, firmware, software, routines,instructions may be described herein as performing certain actions.However, it should be appreciated that such descriptions are merely forconvenience and that such actions in fact result from computing devices,processors, controllers, or other devices executing the firmware,software, routines, instructions, etc. Further, any of theimplementation variations may be carried out by a general purposecomputer, as described below.

For purposes of this discussion, any reference to the term “module”shall be understood to include at least one of software, firmware, andhardware (such as one or more circuit, microchip, or device, or anycombination thereof), and any combination thereof. In addition, it willbe understood that each module may include one, or more than one,component within an actual device, and each component that forms a partof the described module may function either cooperatively orindependently of any other component forming a part of the module.Conversely, multiple modules described herein may represent a singlecomponent within an actual device. Further, components within a modulemay be in a single device or distributed among multiple devices in awired or wireless manner.

The following Detailed Description of the exemplary embodiments will sofully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, byapplying knowledge of those skilled in relevant art(s), readily modifyand/or adapt for various applications such exemplary embodiments,without undue experimentation, without departing from the spirit andscope of the disclosure. Therefore, such adaptations and modificationsare intended to be within the meaning and plurality of equivalents ofthe exemplary embodiments based upon the teaching and guidance presentedherein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminologyherein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, suchthat the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is tobe interpreted by those skilled in relevant art(s) in light of theteachings herein.

Overview

With conventional monitoring and communication system for a controlledenvironment, it is sometimes difficult for a control center of thecontrolled center to effectively communicate with and monitorstaff/guards (hereinafter “personnel”) during an assignment. Also, it issometimes difficult for personnel to effectively detect potential dangerand protect themselves. As a result, personnel is in danger, andimportation of contraband goods occurs. Meanwhile, smart devicesutilized in a controlled environment allow personnel to stay in constantcontact with the control center of the controlled environment. The useof these devices would offer many other features and functions thatwould prove beneficial to the personnel and jurisdictions.

The present disclosure provides details of a system and method for acommunication device for guards in a controlled environment. Thecommunication device is established based on a wireless infrastructurein the controlled environment, receiving wireless positioning signals tocalculate and determine the real-time location of personnel carrying thedevice. The indoor wireless positioning can be combined with otheravailable positioning methods, e.g., GPS positioning, to provide highlyaccurate positioning information of the personnel. The communicationdevice detects and records activities of the personnel during a periodof time, and is controlled by the control center. The status ofpersonnel is monitored by control center. Meanwhile, the communicationdevice has AR functions that allow physical objects and augmentedreality element to be displayed to the personnel at the same time. Thepersonnel can thus have improved awareness of the surroundingenvironment and can respond to various potential dangers moreeffectively. The control center and the communication device respondquickly to different situations. In addition, the communication devicedetects contraband electronic devices, items out of place, and inmatesin forbidden locations, and monitors surroundings of the personnel inreal-time. Third party can also monitor real-time of the personnel andthe surrounding environment in real-time. Thus, the disclosed system andmethod for the communication device provides improved communication andmonitoring for personnel in a controlled environment.

Communication System for Guards of Controlled Environments

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a communication system 100 forguards of a controlled environment, according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure. Communication system 100 allows a user or personnelto more effectively monitor surrounding activities during an assignment,allows activities of guards to be tracked and monitored in real-time,facilitates real-time communications between guards and a controlcenter, and automatically, triggers a plurality of functionalities whenthe monitored activities are determined to be abnormal.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, “abnormal” isdetermined as an activity/action/status, being monitored, satisfyingcertain criterion/criteria defined by system 100. Communication system100 stores, e.g., in database 113 and/or multi-functional platform 101,a set of criteria defining whether a monitored activity is determined as“normal” and “abnormal.” For example, the set of criteria includes thetime range to complete an assignment, the designed path for anassignment, the dwelling time at one location, the heart rate range, theregular presence locations of inmate, etc. Monitored activities fail tosatisfy the criteria are determined to be “abnormal” by communicationsystem 100. In various different embodiments, communication system 100determines abnormal activities for different monitored activities.Details can be referred to in the description below.

In an embodiment, communication system 100 includes a multi-functionalplatform 101 and a control center 102, connected or coupled throughconnection link 114. Multi-functional platform 101 includes aninformation relay unit 103, a messaging unit 104, a positioning unit105, a contraband signal detection unit 106, an alert unit 107, a motiondetection unit 108, a monitoring unit 109, a timing unit 110, anauthentication unit 111, and a visualization unit 112. In oneembodiment, communication system 100 further includes a database 113,connected to control center 102. Multi-functional platform 101 isarranged in a controlled environment. In an embodiment, control center102 is arranged inside the controlled environment. In anotherembodiment, control center 102 is arranged outside the controlledenvironment, e.g., at a remote location. In some embodiments, controlcenter 102 is connected to and communicates with third party 115. Inoperation, multi-functional platform 101 sends various data reflectingthe status of personnel to control center 102 to be processed andanalyzed. Accordingly, control center 102 determines the personnel'status or activities based on the received data and sends correspondingresponses to multi-functional platform 101 to be executed. In someembodiments, third party 115 accesses certain data of the personnelthrough control center 102.

In an embodiment, control center 102 includes any suitable software andhardware that facilitate communication between a monitoring personnel,e.g., staff or jurisdiction officer, and a monitored personnel, a guard,staff, or officer in the controlled environment. In an embodiment,control center 102 is further connected to workstations (not shown) orother computer systems/networks (not shown) for addition operations.Control center 102 includes software and hardware for displayingreal-time status of a guard in the controlled environment, based onreceived signals. For example, control center 102 displays a map of thecontrol environment and the status and location of monitored personnelin the map.

Control center 102 is installed with suitable software and hardware forreceiving and processing various data sent by different units ofmulti-functional platform 101. Control center 102 has the option tostore, process, and/or display these data. In some embodiments, controlcenter 102 controls the content of information displayed byvisualization unit 112. In some embodiments, control center 102 obtainsdata from database 113 or receives input from a user of control center102 and sends the data to the personnel carrying multi-functionalplatform 101. The data is processed and/or displayed in visualizationunit 112. In some embodiments, control center 102 joins images and/orvideos recorded by different units to a desired format, e.g., awide-angle landscape-style image/video formed by a plurality ofimages/videos taken from different angles, and displays the joinedimage/video to the personnel. In some embodiments, control center 102 isinstalled with software and hardware that control the operations ofdifferent units of multi-functional platform 102. In some embodiments,commands from control center 102 override commands from the monitoredpersonnel.

Control center 102 also monitors the activities of the monitoredpersonnel carrying multi-functional platform 102. In variousembodiments, control center 102 monitors and displays the path, movingspeed, dwelling time, body motion, and/or heart rate of a guard. In anembodiment, control center 102 is installed with software for remotelycontrolling the parts and functions multi-functional platform 101. Forexample, a monitoring personnel of control center 102 turns on and offcertain units, e.g., the monitoring unit 109 of multi-functionalplatform 101, at a desired time. In an embodiment, control center 102includes hardware and software for facilitating communication betweenthe monitored personnel in the control environment and monitoring userat control center 102, and control center 102 monitors the communicationin real-time. For example, control center 102 includes and a messagingprogram for the monitoring personnel and the monitored personnel tocommunicate in type-in messages or voice messages. In an embodiment,control center 102 includes software and hardware for receiving andplaying audio/video data from multi-functional platform 101. Forexample, in an embodiment, control center 102 includes a speaker and amicrophone so that personnel using multi-functional platform 101 and themonitoring personnel of control center 102 can have real-timeconversations. In case of an abnormal activity received frommulti-functional platform 101, control center 102 plays an alert throughthe speaker. The alert includes any suitable pre-recorded messages forattracting the attention of the audience. In various embodiments,control center 102 is installed with software for recording variousinformation of each monitored personnel. For example, control center 102records moving path, moving speed, dwelling time, body motion, heartrate, conversations, messages, and/or recorded images/videos associatedwith each monitored personnel. In various embodiments, control center102 has the authority to monitor any information forwarded byinformation relay unit 103. In another example, control center 102allows the monitoring personnel to access the real-time video streamingand/or observes views observed by the monitored personnel. Othercommunication means can also be used at the same time such that themonitored user and the monitored personnel observe, communicate, andrespond to situations in the surroundings at the same time.

In various embodiments, abnormal activities that trigger responses ofcontrol center 102 include the path of the monitored personnel deviatingfrom a designed path, monitored personnel not responding to an inquirywithin a certain period of time, monitored personnel having a suddenbody motion, monitored personnel having a sudden heart rate increase,monitored personnel failing to complete an assignment within a certainperiod of time, monitored personnel sending an alert, detection ofcontraband wireless signals, detection of abnormal presence of inmates,items out of place or in abnormal conditions, etc.

In an embodiment, database 113 stores any suitable data that can be usedfor the communication and monitoring functions of control center 102.For example, database 113 stores biometric data, identification data,and profile data of the monitoring personnel, monitored personnel,and/or inmates, offense history and reasons for incarceration ofinmates, contact history, distribution information of multi-functionalwireless devices used by inmates, a map of the control environment,designed paths for the monitored personnel, coordinates of certainlocations and objects, reference data for positioning, criteria fordetermining “abnormal” and “normal” status/activities/actions,conversation history and messages associated with the monitoredpersonnel, etc. For example, biometric data includes voice samples,fingerprints, retina samples, and/or facial structures associated with amonitored or monitoring personnel; identification data includesbiometric data, name, birthday, social security number (SSN), and/or PINnumber associated with a monitored or monitoring personnel; profile dataincludes identification data, offense history, contact history, reasonof incarceration, cell number, and/or assigned multi-functional wirelessdevice. The map of the control environment includes coordinates of theboundaries of cells, areas, walls, and/or names and restrictions of eachcell/area. Designated paths for monitored personnel define, e.g., areas,paths, dwelling times, assignment completion time, and/or movingdirections a monitored personnel is expected to follow in an assignment.Reference data for determining the location or proximity includes, e.g.,coordinates of positioning signal transmitters and positioning signalstrength in the proximity of the signal transmitters. Criteria fordetermining which status are “normal” includes a set of ranges in, e.g.,time, distance, location, path, moving speed, and body condition, duringan assignment or a certain period of time, for limiting the activitiesof the monitored personnel. “Abnormal” status refers to these statusfailing to satisfy the criteria. For example, it is determined themonitored personnel following the designed path being “normal,” and adeviation from the designed path is determined to be “abnormal.”Conversation history and messages associated with a monitored personnelinclude the conversation history and messages recorded during anassignment in the control environment. In various embodiments, controlcenter 102 also includes a display unit for displaying status of one ormore monitored personnel, a user input device for receivingcommands/selections from a monitoring personnel, etc.

In an embodiment, control center 102 simulates real-time activities of amonitored personnel based on data stored in database 113 andsignals/data sent by multi-functional platform 101. Control center 102uses the data to generate graphics, images, and/or text based on thereceived and stored data. For example, control center 102 extractscoordinates information from database 113 to generate a map of thecontrolled environment, simulate/calculate the path, moving speed,and/or dwelling times of the monitored personnel in the map based on thereal-time data received by multi-functional platform 101. A monitoringpersonnel then directly observes and monitor the activity of a monitoredpersonnel. In various embodiments, control center 102 also simulatesother detectable objects/subjects in real-time in the map. For example,based on data/signals sent by multi-functional platform 101, controlcenter 102 also simulates the presence and status of inmateswearing/carrying certain signal-transmitting tags, e.g., radio frequency(RF) II) tags, and/or any devices transmitting a suitable detectablesignal, e.g., a kiosk, a contraband device, and/or a vending machine.The detectable objects/subjects are also displayed in the map to themonitoring personnel. In an embodiment, control center 102 also sendscalculated path, moving speed and path to respond based on theactivities. For example, control center 102 determines whether anyabnormal activities occurred based on the calculation result, and/orrespond accordingly based on the abnormal activities. In an embodiment,control center 102 displays certain simulation results in the form ofgraphics, images, sound, and/or text, to the monitored personnel and/orthe monitoring personnel. In an embodiment, the simulation results aredisplayed by visualization unit 112.

In an embodiment, control center 102 responds to data/signals sent bymulti-functional platform 101. Control center 102 is programmed torespond to different inquiries from multi-functional platform 101 andextract necessary data from database 113 for the responses. Controlcenter 102 directly responds to some signals/data, e.g., emergencycalls/alerts. A monitoring personnel has the option to manuallyinterrupt and respond to some signals/data through control center 102.In some embodiments, a monitoring personnel is required to authenticatehis/her identity before interrupting the operations of control center102. Decisions made by control center 102 are transmitted to informationrelay unit 103 through connection link 114 and implemented in designatedunits of multi-functional platform 101. In various embodiments, controlcenter 102 responds to inquiries such as detection of abnormalactivities of the monitored personnel, detection of contraband wirelesssignals, detection of items out of place, and/or messages/alerts/videostreams/images sent by the monitored personnel. Response of controlcenter 102 to the inquiries includes starting certain monitoringfunctions of multi-functional platform 101, sending alerts/alerts to oneor more monitored personnel, etc. In some embodiments, control center102 records the activities during a certain period of time or assignmentand analyze the recorded history if necessary. For example, conversationor messages of a monitored personnel can be recorded, parsed, and/oranalyzed.

In some embodiments, control center 102 includes suitable hardware andsoftware for performing virtual reality (VR) functions. For example,control center 102 utilizes real-time data and/or non-real-time data toconstruct a virtual reality (VR) space for the monitoring personnel. Thereal-time data and non-real-time data can be any suitable data receivedby control center 102. For example, these data can include real-timevideo streaming data and recorded non-real-time video data captured byany suitable imaging devices, e.g., cameras, of multi-functionalplatform 101. These data can also include positioning data, facialrecognition data, audio data, AR data, etc. When using real-time videostreaming data to construct a VR space, control center 102 simulates thesurroundings of the monitored personnel based on real-time data such asthe real-time video data, real-time audio data, and positioning data ofthe monitored personnel to present the surroundings of the monitoredpersonnel in a VR space. When using non-real-time data to construct a VRspace, control center 102 simulates the surroundings of the monitoredpersonnel based on non-real-time data such as recorded video data,recorded audio data, and recorded positioning data of the monitoredpersonnel to present the surroundings of the monitored personnel in a VRspace. In some embodiments, the monitoring personnel has the option tochoose real-time/non-real-time data streamed/recorded from one or moredesired imaging devices to construct the VR space. The monitoringpersonnel thus has the option to observe the surroundings of themonitored personnel in a VR space in a real-time session or in apreviously recorded. In some embodiments, control center 102 furtherincludes VR devices, e.g., headsets, helmets, goggles, etc., worn by themonitoring personnel to enhance VR effects.

Control center 102 is bi-directionally connected to multi-functionalplatform 101 through connection link 114. Connection link 114 includesany suitable wired (e.g., Ethernet) connection or wireless connection.The wireless connection can be implemented as one or more of a wide-areanetwork (WAN) connection; a local area network (LAN) connection, theInternet, a Bluetooth connection, and/or an infrared connection. Othertypes of implementations for a wired or wireless connection are possiblewithout deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Controlcenter 102 has the authority to control the functioning of various unitsin multi-functional platform 101.

Information relay unit 103 is bi-directionally connected to controlcenter 102. Information relay unit 103 includes hardware and software toreceive various data/signals from other units in the multi-functionalplatform 101 and forward the received data/signal to control center 102,and receive signals/data from control center 102 and distribute thesignals/data to proper units. In some embodiments, information relayunit 103 is configured to determine the proper data to be sent tocontrol center 102. For example, when positioning unit 105 sends bothindoor and outdoor tracking or positioning information to informationrelay unit 103, information relay unit 103 determines the appropriatepositioning information to be forwarded to control center 102 based onthe actual location of the monitored personnel. In an example,information relay unit 103 determines the actual location of themonitored personnel based on the received tracking information frompositioning unit 105 and sends the positioning information that moreprecisely reflects the actual position/status of the monitoredpersonnel. In an example, when information relay unit 103 determines themonitored personnel is located in the indoor environment of the controlenvironment, information relay unit 103 only sends the indoorpositioning information to control center 102; when information relayunit 103 determines the monitored personnel is located in the outdoorenvironment of the control environment, information relay unit 103 onlysends the outdoor positioning information to control center 102. In someembodiments, information relay unit 103 sends both indoor positioninginformation and outdoor positioning information sent by positioning unit105 to control center 102. In various embodiments, information relayunit 103 encrypts information sent to control center 102 and decryptsinformation sent by control center 102.

Messaging unit 104 is bi-directionally connected to control center 102and includes software and hardware to facilitate texting/messagingfunctions between the monitored personnel and control center 102. In anembodiment, the messages transmitted between multi-functional platform101 and control center 102 are in various forms such as text messages,videos, images, audio messages, and/or real-time video streams. Themonitored personnel has the option to enter desired text and/or audio,take pictures and/or record videos, or stream videos. The various formsof messages are sent to control center 102 through information relayunit 103. In an embodiment, messaging unit 104 also enablestexting/messaging functions among different monitored personnel. Amonitored personnel has the option to select a desired recipient and thevarious forms of messages are redirected to the selected recipient bycontrol center 102. A monitoring personnel at control center 102 has theauthority to monitor any messages forwarded by information relay unit103.

Positioning unit 105 tracks both the indoor position and the outdoorposition of the monitored personnel. Positioning unit 105 isbi-directionally connected to control center 102 through informationrelay unit 103 and includes software and hardware to enable thepositioning of the monitored personnel when the monitored personnel isin the indoor or outdoor environment of the control environment, wherepositioning signals are available. In some embodiments, positioning unit105 includes an outdoor positioning sub-unit. In an embodiment, theoutdoor positioning sub-unit includes a global positioning system (GPS)receiver. In some other embodiments, other GPS-based positioning meansor other positioning systems are also used alone or in combination withGPS. The outdoor positioning sub-unit determines the locations of one ormore monitored personnel in real-time. The outdoor positioning sub-unitperiodically sends coordinates of the monitored personnel to informationrelay unit 103, and information relay unit 103 determines whether thecoordinates are to be sent to control center 102.

In some embodiments, positioning unit 105 also includes an indoorpositioning sub-unit. The indoor positioning sub-unit periodically sendslocation-reflecting signals/data to information relay unit 103. In anembodiment, the indoor positioning sub-unit includes one or more of anysuitable wireless positioning facilities such as radio frequency(RF)-based positioning systems, Bluetooth-based positioning systems,WiFi-based positioning systems, and/or ultrasound-based positioningsystems. For example, the RF-based positioning system includes a RFIDreader and a plurality of RFID tags/beacons distributed in the indoorenvironment. The RFID reader, carried by the monitored personnel, readsinformation stored in the nearby RFID tags and sends the read-outinformation to information relay unit 103. In another example, theWiFi-based positioning system includes a WiFi-signal reader and aplurality of access points. The WiFi-signal reader receives WiFi signalsfrom access points and sends the detected WiFi signals to informationrelay unit 103. In another example, a Bluetooth-based positioning systemincludes a Bluetooth-signal reader and a plurality of Bluetooth beacons.The Bluetooth-signal reader receives the Bluetooth signals and sends thedetected Bluetooth signals to information relay unit 103.

In an embodiment, information relay unit 103, based on receivedsignals/data from the outdoor positioning sub-unit and the indoorpositioning sub-unit, determines which signals/data are to be sent tocontrol center 102. For example, when signals/data sent by the outdoorpositioning sub-unit are weak or not available, information relay unit103 determines the monitored personnel is in an indoor environment ofthe controlled environment and sends the signal/data from the outdoorpositioning sub-unit to control center 102; when signals/data sent bythe indoor positioning sub-unit are weak or not available, informationrelay unit 103 determines the monitored personnel is in an outdoorenvironment of the controlled environment and sends the signal/data fromthe indoor positioning sub-unit to control center 102. Information relayunit 103 has the ability to determine which signals/data are to be sentto control center 102 based on certain criteria, e.g., signal strengthand signal availability. In some other embodiments, information relayunit 103 sends signals/data from both outdoor positioning sub-unit andindoor positioning sub-unit to control center 102. In some embodiments,information relay unit 103 switches between an “outdoor mode” and an“indoor mode”, based on the received signals/data. In the outdoor mode,only the outdoor tracking function is available, and in the indoor mode,only the indoor tracking function is avail able.

After control center 102 receives the tracking signals/data frominformation relay unit 103, control center 102 simulates thelocation/position of the monitored personnel in the map of thecontrolled environment based on the received signals/data. Becausecontrol center 102 periodically receives real-time trackingsignals/data, the simulation reflects the real-time status, e.g., path,location, movement, and/or dwelling time of the monitored personnel.Control center 102 has the option to utilize certain reference datastored in database 113 to calculate the location of the monitoredsubject. For example, when the monitored subject is in an indoorenvironment, control center 102 determines the location of a monitoredpersonnel based on reference signal strength data and signal attenuationinformation. Control center 102 also includes suitable algorithm ormodel stored in database 113 to detect whether the status of themonitored personnel is abnormal, e.g., monitored personnel deviatingfrom designed path, monitored personnel staying at a certain locationfor an abnormally long time, monitored personnel having a sudden bodymotion, and so on. In some embodiments, control center 102 responds toan abnormal status by triggering an alert or other actions.

Contraband signal detection unit 106 is bi-directionally connected tocontrol center 102 through information relay unit 103 and includeshardware and software to detect unknown or forbidden wireless signals.Contraband signal detection unit 106 is configured to detect anywireless signals, e.g., WiFi hot spots, Bluetooth signals, and/or RFsignals, not recognized or forbidden by multi-functional platform 101 orcontrol center 102. For example, contraband signal detection unit 106includes one or more wireless signal detectors that scan a wide range ofsignal frequencies, e.g., RF frequencies or cellular frequencies, todetect any unknown or forbidden wireless signals. Contraband signaldetection unit 106 sends frequencies of detected signals to informationrelay unit 103. In one embodiment, information relay unit 103 forwardsthe received detected wireless signals to control center 102, andcontrol center 102 compares the detected wireless signals to known andpermitted wireless signals to determine whether contraband wirelesssignals are contained in the detected wireless signals. If a contrabandwireless signal is detected, control center 102 sends a message or analert to inform the monitored personnel a contraband frequency has beendetected and prompts the monitored personnel to search for thecontraband device.

Alert unit 107 is hi-directionally connected to control center 102 andincludes software and hardware for alerting the monitored personnel orcontrol center 102. In an embodiment, a monitored personnel has theoption to trigger alert unit 107 so that control center 102 receives analert from the monitored personnel. In another embodiment, controlcenter 102 triggers alert unit 107 so that one or more monitoredpersonnel receive the alert. An alert can be in the form of alarms, textmessages, audio messages, etc.

Motion detection unit 108 is bi-directionally connected to controlcenter 102 and includes software and hardware to detect sudden bodymotions of a monitored personnel and items that are out of place. Insome embodiments, motion detection unit 108, including one or moremotion sensors, sends a motion signal to control center 102 throughinformation relay unit 103 when a sudden body motion of a monitoredpersonnel is detected. Control center 102 sends a confirmation messageto the monitored personnel. In an embodiment, if the monitored personnelresponds to the confirmation message in a defined time period, themotion signal is disregarded; if the monitored personnel fails torespond to the confirmation message in the defined time period, controlcenter 102 triggers other actions such as sending an alert to othermonitored personnel informing the location of the monitored personnelfailing to respond to the confirmation message. The confirmation messagecan be in the form of alert, text messages, audio messages, etc. In someembodiments, motion detection unit 108 also includes one or more motiondetectors for detecting items not in their proper conditions. Forexample, motion detectors can detect doors, windows, and/or gates thatare open but should be closed. The conditions of these items arerecorded by multi-functional platform 101 and sent to control center 102through information relay unit 103.

Monitoring unit 109 is hi-directionally connected to control center 102and includes software and hardware to monitor activities of themonitored personnel. Monitoring unit 109 includes at least recordingabilities, e.g., using cameras and/or microphones, to stream or recordat a desired time. In an embodiment, the monitored personnel has theoption to turn on the monitoring unit 109 to record a video. In anembodiment, control center 102 has the option to, e.g., when an abnormalstatus is detected, turn on monitoring unit 109 to start recording videoand/or voice. In some embodiments, monitoring unit 109 can be turned offfrom both multi-functional platform 101 and control center 102. In someother embodiments, monitoring unit 109 cannot be turned off frommulti-functional platform 101 when it is turned on from control center102. In an embodiment, the monitored personnel has the option to locallystore recorded content, e.g., video and/or audio data, or stream therecorded content in real-time to control center 102 through informationrelay unit 103. In another embodiment, control center 102 controlswhether recorded content is to be locally stored or streamed. In someembodiments, monitoring unit 109 also monitors heart rate, respirationrate, and/or voice pitch of the monitored personnel and periodicallysending heart rate data and voice data to control center 102 throughinformation relay unit 103. Control center 102 periodically compares theheart rate data, respiration rate data, and/or voice data topre-recorded normal heart rate sample, respiration rate sample, and/orvoice sample, e.g., stored in database 113, to determine whether thesedata deviates from normal data. If control center 102 determines thesedata to be abnormal, control center 102 performs actions such as sendingan alert to other monitored personnel and start video streaming frommulti-functional platform 101.

Timing unit 110 is bi-directionally connected to control center 102 andincludes software and hardware to record time elapsed and/or remainedfor an assignment/action. In an embodiment, timing unit 110 includes aclock or a timer. The monitored personnel or control center 102 has theauthority to start counting time when an assignment, e.g., a walking andobserving process, begins and stop counting time when the assignmentfinishes. If the monitored personnel does not finish the assignment ontime, timing unit 110 sends an overdue signal to control center 102through information relay unit 103, and control center 102 sends analert to other monitored personnel or a confirmation message to themonitored personnel. In various embodiments, timing unit 110 also runsin the background for other functions. For example, when control center102 sends an inquiry, e.g., text messages, confirmation message, and/oralert, to monitored personnel, timing unit 110 starts counting timeelapsed for the inquiry and periodically sends time information tocontrol center 102. If monitored personnel does not reply to theinquiry, control center 102 sends an alert to other monitored personnelor start video streaming from multi-functional platform 101. In variousembodiments, real time and/or time elapsed/remained of an assignment aredisplayed to the monitored personnel.

Authentication unit 111 is bi-directionally connected to control center102 and includes software and hardware to authenticate the identity ofthe monitored personnel. In an embodiment, authentication unit 111prompts the monitored personnel to enter his/her identity-relatedinformation, such as PIN, SSN, legal name, and/or certain biometricsamples, e.g., voice sample and retina scan sample, before allowing themonitored personnel to log in to multi-functional platform 101 andperform any assignment using multi-functional platform 101, informationrelay unit 103 sends the received identity-related information tocontrol center 102 so that control center 102 verifies enteredidentity-related information with pre-recorded information stored indatabase 113. The monitored personnel is given the option to attemptidentity-related information a plurality times before control center 102locks him/her out. When authentication fails, the monitored personnelneeds to verify his/her identity and reactivate the lockedmulti-functional platform 101 at control center 102 or other authorizedpersonnel. In some embodiments, a monitored personnel needs tore-identify himself/herself for certain assignments. For example, themonitored personnel is required to re-authenticate his/her identity inmulti-functional platform 101 before him/her can send messages, alerts,and detect contraband wireless devices. The specific authenticationmethods for each assignment can be same or different, depending on,e.g., the convenience and reliability of different authenticationmethods.

Visualization unit 112 is hi-directionally connected to control center102 and includes software and hardware to display data to the monitoredpersonnel. In an embodiment, visualization unit 112 receives data frominformation relay unit 103 and visualizes the data in the form of text,graphics, images, and/or videos. In some embodiments, the data sent frominformation relay unit 103 to visualization unit 112 includes variousdata to be displayed to the monitored personnel. For example, currentwalking speed, path, time in the field, inmates nearby, inmatesinformation, etc. Visualization unit 112 is programmed to visualizedesignated data for different hardware of visualization unit 112 suchthat multi-functional platform 101 displays data properly on properhardware. In some embodiments, control center 102 controls the type ofdata to be displayed by different hardware and visualization unit 112processes the data accordingly to a suitable format for each designatedhardware to be displayed. In some embodiments, data visualized byvisualization unit 112 includes recordings of physical objects ofreal-world and computer-generated visuals.

In some embodiments, a third party 115 is bi-directionally connected tocontrol center 102 to communication with control center 102 and obtaincertain data, e.g., monitoring data, positioning data, etc., of themonitored personnel. The data can include non-real-time data such astext or emails and/or real-time data such as voice calls and videocalls. In some embodiments, third party 115 needs to be authorized toget access to control center 102. In some embodiments, third party 115connects to multi-functional platform 101 when the monitored personnelcarrying multi-functional platform 101 is in an assignment. Third party115 accesses real-time data received and streamed by multi-functionalplatform 101 through control center 102. In some embodiments, datatransmission between third party 115 and control center 102 isencrypted. In some embodiments, third party 115 includes an externaldevice, e.g., a USB device or a mobile device. In some embodiments,third party 115 monitors activities of the monitored personnel throughcontrol center 102 and has real-time communication with multi-functionalplatform 101 and control center 102 during the monitoring session.

In some embodiments, the bi-directional connection between units in thepresent disclosure includes any suitable bi-directional wired (e.g.,Ethernet) connection or wireless connection. The wireless connection canbe implemented as one or more of a wide-area network (WAN) connection, alocal area network (LAN) connection, the Internet, a Bluetoothconnection, an RF connection, and/or an infrared connection. Other typesof implementations for a wired or wireless connection are possiblewithout deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

In various embodiments, at least some functions of control center 102can be integrated or replicated into multi-functional platform 101. Inan embodiment, information relay unit 103 is connected to or includes acontrol unit (not shown) and an internal database (not shown) similar tocontrol center 102 and database 113. Control unit extracts data from theinternal database and perform certain functions in response to receivedsignals/data. For example, control unit determines to trigger an alertto control center 102 when the monitored personnel fails to reply to amessage in a predetermined time period. In another example,multi-functional platform 101 stores a map of the controlledenvironment, and control unit determines to trigger an alert to controlcenter 102 when the monitored personnel's path deviates from thedesigned path. In another example, control unit determines differentdata to be visualized and displayed on different displays ofmulti-functional platform 101. In certain embodiments, some functionsare executed on multi-functional platform 101 and other functions areexecuted through control center 102. The actual allocation of work loador functions between multi-functional platform 101 and control center102 are subjected to different design requirements and preferences.

For illustrative purposes, in the present application, only onemulti-functional platform 101 is shown for the description ofcommunication system 100. In various different embodiments, controlcenter 102 can also be connected to a plurality of multi-functionalplatforms 101 and facilitate communication among differentmulti-functional platforms 101. In an example, inquiries from onemulti-functional platform 101 is routed by control center 102 to adesired receiving multi-functional platform 101. Control center 102monitors the communication among all connected multi-functionalplatforms 101 and controls all connected multi-functional platforms 101.

Multi-Functional Platform

FIG. 2 illustrates elements of communication system according toembodiments of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, communicationsystem 200 includes a server 201 as control center and database, and aportable device 202 as third party connected to control center. In someembodiments, communication system 200 includes one or more of a computerstation 203, a data routing device 204, a portable device 205, an ARdevices 211, and a plurality of wireless positioning signal transmitters210 in multi-functional platform 101. In some embodiments, AR devices211 includes one or more of an AR headset 206, an AR glasses 207, an ARcontact lenses 208, and an AR wearable device 209. In some embodiments,computer station 203 and data routing device 204 (e.g., gateway orrouter) facilitates data transmission between one or more of devices205-209 and control center 102 (illustrated in FIG. 1).

In some embodiments, portable device 205 is configured to displaycurrent status of the monitored personnel and facilitates communicationbetween control center 102 and the monitored personnel that carriesportable device 205. In some embodiments, portable device 205 has wired(e.g., USB cable connection) and/or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth or Wi-Ficonnection) communication capabilities. In an embodiment, portabledevice 205 receives positioning information from the plurality ofwireless positioning signal transmitters 210 and communicates withcontrol center 102 through data routing device 204 and/or computerstation 203 to determine the real-time location of portable device 205and status information of the monitored personnel. In some embodiments,portable device 205 also sends certain received data to control center102 to be processed. In some embodiments, portable device 205facilitates communication between AR devices 211 and control center 102.Portable device 205 can be in the form of a smart device, e.g., tablet,smart phone, etc.

In some embodiments, AR devices 211, e.g., devices 206-209, displayaugmented reality to the monitored personnel. In some embodiments, ARdevices 211 display the physical objects in the surroundings of themonitored personnel and augmented reality element together with thephysical objects to supplement certain information. For example, ARdevices 211 display the surroundings, the inmates in the surroundings,and certain profile information of the detected inmates. In someembodiments, surroundings recorded by AR devices 211 are transmitted toportable device 205 and/or control center 102. In some embodiments,through data routing device 204 and/or computer station 203, AR devices211 operates and communicates with control center 102 separately fromportable device 205. In some embodiments, the operation of AR devices211 is connected with the operation of portable device 205, and ARdevices 211 communicates with control center 102 through portable device205. In some embodiments, control center 102 has the capability tocontrol one or more of AR headset 206, AR glasses 207, AR contact lenses208, and AR wearable device 209. In some embodiments, the monitoredpersonnel, carrying portable device 205 and one or more of AR devices211, controls these devices through portable device 205. In someembodiments, the monitored personnel is able to separately control eachone of the AR devices 211.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram 300 of portable device 301 incommunication with other devices in multi-functional platform 102,according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Portable device 301is same as or similar to portable device 205 illustrated in FIG. 2. Inan embodiment, portable device 301 communicates with one or morepositioning signal transmitters 313 distributed in the controlledenvironment to obtain positioning information to control center 102(shown in FIG. 1) so that control center 102 receives real-time updates,e.g., path, moving speed, dwelling time, conversations, heart rate,and/or surroundings, of the monitored personnel carrying portable device301. Portable device 301 can be any suitable portable device, e.g., amobile phone, a tablet, and/or a laptop computer. Portable device 301can be carried at a convenient position of the monitored personnel'sbody for ease of use.

In some embodiments, portable device 301 includes a processor 302, adisplay 303, a GPS receiver 304, an interface 305, a sensing module 306,a power supply 307, a signal reader 308, a memory 309, an input/output310, an imaging module 311, and an antenna 313. In the presentdisclosure, directions of arrows reflect the directions of data/signalflow. The connection between different parts of portable device 301includes any suitable wired (e.g., Ethernet) connection or wirelessconnection. The wireless connection can be implemented as one or more ofa wide-area network (WAN) connection, a local area network (LAN)connection, the Internet, a Bluetooth connection, and/or an infraredconnection. Other types of implementations for a wired or wirelessconnection are possible without deviating from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Processor 302 receives signals/data from different parts ofmulti-functional platform 101, processes these signals/data, and respondaccordingly. In some embodiments, processor 302 is also programmed tocontrol the operations of other parts of portable device 301 and certainother parts, e.g., AR devices 211, of multi-functional platform 101.Memory 309 stores any necessary data for calculation of processor 302.In an embodiment, memory 309 stores at least a portion of the datastored in database 113. Interface 305 includes any suitable datatransmission devices for transmitting data between portable device 301and control center 102/other devices. For example, interface 305 isconfigured to communicate with other systems/devices, e.g., AR devices211, control center 102, and other devices 317, outside of portabledevice 301. Devices 317 represents any other devices, inside or outsideof communication system 100, capable of communicating with portabledevice 301. Power supply 307 provides power to other parts of portabledevice 301. Input/output 310 includes any suitable devices for receivinginput data, e.g., type-in messages, voice messages, scanned images,etc., and outputting data generated by portable device 301. Display 303includes any suitable display devices such as light-emitting diode (LED)display and/or liquid-crystal display (LCD) devices for displaying anytext, graphics, images, and/or videos determined by processor 302.

GPS receiver 304 provides location information, e.g., coordinates, ofthe monitored personnel carrying portable device 301, when GPS signalsare available. For example, when the monitored personnel is in anoutside environment of the controlled environment, GPS receiver 304sends current coordinates of the monitored personnel to processor 302.In an embodiment, processor 302 processes the data, extracts the mapstored in memory 309, and simulates the current location of themonitored personnel in the map. Processor 302 also encrypts thecoordinates and sends the encrypted coordinates to control center 102(shown in FIG. 1) through interface 305. Meanwhile, processor 302displays the map and the current location, path, moving speed, and/ordwelling times of the monitored personnel, along with the map in display303. Processor 302 also responds accordingly based on the current statusof the monitored personnel. For example, processor 302 determineswhether abnormal activities have been detected and notifies themonitored personnel if abnormal activities have been detected. In anembodiment, processor 302 sends an alert to control center 102 whenabnormal activities are detected.

Sensing module 306 includes one or more suitable sensors, integrated orseparate, for detecting biometric features, heart rate, body motion,etc. For example, sensing module 306 includes a camera, a fingerprintscanner, a retina scanner, a heart rate sensor, and/or a body motionsensor. Sensed signals are sent to processor 302 to be processed.Processor 302 analyzes the sensed data and determines whether anyabnormal activities occur. For example, processor 302 detects whetherdata reflecting a sudden change in heart rate and/or body motion iscontained in the sensed data. In an example, biometric sensors are usedfor authenticating the identity of the monitored personnel and/oridentify inmates/other personnel. For example, an inmate's biometricsamples can be recorded and sent to control center 102 for analysisand/or recording purposes.

Signal reader 308 includes one or more devices, integrated or separate,for detecting suitable wireless signals. In an embodiment, signal readerincludes one or more antennas, represented by element 313 in FIG. 3.Signal reader 308 is configured to, in a detectable distance, detect anywireless positioning signals, any wireless identification signals,and/or any wireless communication signals. In an embodiment, wirelesspositioning signals include positioning signals used in variouspositioning systems such as RF signals, Bluetooth signals, WiFi signals,ultrasonic signals, etc. Wireless identification signals include signalsemitted by ID tags or devices, such as RFID worn by inmates, and IDsignals emitted by electronic devices. Wireless communication signalsinclude any cellular or WiFi signals transmitted by electronic devices,such as cellular signals transmitted by a mobile device. In someembodiments, signal reader 308 scans a wide range of frequencies andsends detected signals to processor 302. In some embodiments, processor302 has the option to encrypt detected wireless signals and send them tocontrol center 102 for further analysis, in an embodiment, processor 302also calculates/analyzes detected signals.

In some embodiments, processor 302 recognizes the types of detectedsignals based on the frequencies of the detected signals. If the signalsare wireless positioning signals, processor 302 calculates thelocation/position of the monitored personnel based on certainparameters, e.g., strengths of signals, and reference data, stored inmemory 309. Signal reader 308 detects positioning signals of one or morepositioning methods, transmitted from different positioning signaltransmitters 312 located at same or different nearby places. Processor302 calculates the location under different positioning methods. In someembodiments, processor 302 has the option to select one location withthe highest precision, or supplement different positioning methods usingone another to obtain a corrected location. In an embodiment, processor302 simulates the location of the monitored personnel and display 303displays the real-time status, e.g., path, location, moving speed,and/or dwelling time in the map of the controlled environment. Processor302 also responds accordingly based on the current status of themonitored personnel. For example, processor 302 determines whetherabnormal activities have been detected and notifies the monitoredpersonnel if abnormal activities have been detected. In an embodiment,processor 302 sends an alert to control center 102 when abnormalactivities are detected.

If the detected signals contain wireless identification signals,processor 302 extracts identification information from the signals anddetermines the location or proximity of objects/subjects transmittingthe identification signals based on current location and informationcontained in the identification signals. In an embodiment, processor 302simulates the locations/proximities of the objects/subjects and display303 displays the real-time status, e.g., locations/proximities andmoving speed in the map of the controlled environment. Processor 302also responds accordingly based on the current status of the detectedobjects/subjects. For example, processor 302 determines sending an alertto control center 102 when abnormal activities, e.g., objects/subjectsbeing at forbidden locations/proximities, are detected.

If the detected signals contain wireless communication signals,processor 302 extracts unknown or forbidden communication signals fromthe detected signals. Based on the location and proximity informationdetermined, processor 302 also determines the location/proximity of acontraband wireless communication signal and display the contrabandwireless communication signal at the location/proximity it's detected,in the map. In an embodiment, processor 302 notifies the monitoredpersonnel the detection of any contraband wireless communications andsends the detection result to control center 102.

In an embodiment, the detected signals contain wireless communicationsignals and/or wireless identification signals of multi-functionalwireless devices that are assigned to inmates. These multi-functionalwireless devices allow inmates to wirelessly communicate with personnelof the controlled environment and/or contacts outside of the controlledenvironment. The wireless signals of a multi-functional wireless devicecontains the location restriction information of the multi-functionalwireless device. For example, the wireless signals can indicate the areathe multi-functional wireless device is permitted to be positioned. Ifit is detected that the multi-functional wireless device is positionedat a forbidden location, processor 302 notifies the monitored personneland/or control center 102 the detection of a forbidden multi-functionalwireless device in a nearby area. In an example, a multi-functionalwireless device, which is only allowed to be located in cell/room 2 andthe public dining area, is detected to be in cell 4. Accordingly,processor 302 notifies the monitored personnel and/or control center 102the multi-functional wireless device is violating the rules and islocated in cell 4.

In another embodiment, when a multi-functional wireless device isdetected to be at a forbidden area, the monitored personnel and/orcontrol center 102 have the option to remotely activate the covertfeatures of the multi-functional wireless device, e.g., automaticallystreaming certain data such as audio, video, location information, andcurrent usage of the multi-functional wireless device, to portabledevice 301 and/or control center 102 without notifying the inmate usingthe multi-functional device. In some embodiments, the monitoredpersonnel and/or control center 102 can activate the covert features ofany detected multi-functional wireless device detected in the nearbyareas.

Imaging module 311 includes any suitable devices for recording andstreaming images and videos, e.g., camera and/or infrared camera. Themonitored personnel and control center 102 have the ability to controlthe functioning of imaging module 311. The monitored personnel andcontrol center 102 turn on imaging module 311 at a desired time. In someembodiments, when an abnormal activity is detected, control center 102and/or portable device 301 automatically turn on imaging module 311 tostart recording or streaming.

Positioning signal transmitters 312 include any suitable passive andactive signal transmitters for transmitting wireless signals that can beused for calculating the location/position of the monitored personnel.Positioning signal transmitters 312 include transmitters of one or moretypes of positioning methods. In an example, positioning signaltransmitters 312 include one or more of RF tags, Bluetooth beacons, WiFiaccess points, ultrasonic transmitters, etc. Positioning signaltransmitters 312 are distributed in desired locations to convenientlytransmit positioning signals to portable device 301. Antenna 313represents any suitable number of signal receivers necessary to detectthe positioning signals.

In various embodiments, portable device 301 automatically switches from“indoor mode” to “outdoor mode” when GPS signals are sufficiently strongand positioning signals are weak, and vice versa. Control center 102and/or monitored personnel also have the authority to select one or morepositioning methods on the portable device 301. In some embodiments,control center 102 selects GPS positioning to be supplemented with otherpositioning methods to provide positioning information of desirableprecision.

In various embodiments, portable device 301 periodically sendsdetected/sensed signals/data to control center 102 for analysis andupdates. Accordingly, control center 102 determines the response to anyinquiry from portable device 301. In some embodiments, portable device301 analyzes and responds to certain signals/data without inquiringcontrol center 102. In an example, portable device 301 stores the map ofthe controlled environment and simulates the current path, location,and/or moving speed of the monitored personnel in the map based onpositioning data. When an abnormal activity is detected, an alert issent to the monitored personnel and/or control center 102. Meanwhile,portable device 301 sends positioning data to control center 102 so thatcontrol center 102 updates and monitored current status of the monitoredpersonnel.

In various embodiments, portable device 301 communicates with one ormore of AR devices 211 to control the functions of these AR devices 211.In some embodiments, control center 102 controls one or more of these ARdevices 211 through portable device 301. For illustrative purposes, anAR headset is described as an example for AR devices 211.

FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary AR headset 400, and FIG. 4B illustratesa block diagram of the AR headset 400, according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure. In some embodiments, AR headset 400 is installedwith software and hardware to be controlled by control center 102through portable device 301. In some embodiments, AR headset 400 isinstalled with software and hardware to communicate with control center102 independently.

As shown in FIG. 4A, in some embodiments, AR headset 400 includes a pairof lenses/optics 401, a headband 402, a front camera 403, and aprocessor 409. In some embodiments, headband 402 enables a monitoredpersonnel to wear AR headset 400 on his/her head at a properposition/orientation so the monitored personnel is able to see imagesand/or videos displayed by lenses 401, where lenses 401 display theimages and/or videos to the monitored personnel wearing AR headset 400.Front camera 403 captures the front view of the monitored personnel andsends the captured data to processor 400 for processing and/or furthertransmission. In some embodiments, AR headset 400 further includes amicrophone 407 for receiving the monitored personnel's voiceresponses/instructions.

In some embodiments, front camera 403, e.g., an outward facingvisible-light camera, captures a wide angle of the front view. In someembodiments, front camera 403 stays on during the assignment or isturned on by monitored personnel and/or control center 102 at any timeduring an assignment.

In some embodiments, AR headset 400 further includes a rear camera 406(not showing in FIG. 4A), facing outward, for capturing a rear view ofthe monitored personnel. In some embodiments, rear camera 406 includes ashort-wavelength infrared camera. In some embodiments, the infraredcamera is turned on when infrared radiation (e.g., infrared radiationemitted by humans) is detected and starts recording the rear view ininfrared images/videos. In some other embodiments, rear camera 406includes an infrared sensor and a visible-light camera. When theinfrared sensor detects infrared radiation, the visible-light camerastarts recording images/videos. The monitored personnel, control center102, and/or portable device 301 have the option to choose which camerato use, e.g., based on different assignments. Accordingly, AR headset400 starts displaying real-time images/videos captured by the rearcamera to the monitored personnel when infrared radiation is detected.

In some embodiments, AR headset 400 further includes one or more sidecameras, facing outward. For example, AR headset 400 can include sidecameras, e.g., 404 and 405, on the left and right sides of AR headset400. For illustrative purposes, side camera 405 is shown on AR headset400. Side cameras 404 and 405 can each be a visible-light camera or ashort-wavelength infrared camera. The operation of side cameras 404 and405 can be referred to the operation of front camera 403 and rear camera406. In some embodiments, front camera 403, rear camera 406, and sidecameras 404 and 405 together capture an angle of 360° around themonitored personnel so that the monitored personnel is able to monitorthe entire surroundings at the same time.

In some embodiments, AR headset 400 includes real-time facialrecognition functions. In some embodiments, when AR headset 400 detectsa human's face in the images/videos, AR headset 400 captures the facialfeatures of the detected object and compares the facial features withstored facial features or sends the facial features to portable device301 and/or control center 102 for comparison. After the objected hasbeen recognized, AR headset 400 further displays augmented realityelement such as the identity and other related profile information ofthe object to the monitored personnel in real-time. For example, whenthe object is detected to be an inmate, AR headset 400 displays theprofile data such as the name, inmate ID number, offense history,contact history, reason of incarceration, cell number of the inmatetogether with the real-time images/videos of the inmate. In someembodiments, when the object is detected to have significant offensehistory, e.g., felony or having violence history with guards, anaugmented reality alert is displayed to the monitored guard. In someembodiments, the real-time facial recognition function is only appliedon the rear view. In some embodiments, the real-time facial recognitionfunction is applied on one or more of the front view, the rear view, andthe side views, depending on the selection by the monitored personnel,control center 102, and/or portable device 301.

FIG. 4B illustrates a block diagram of processor 409 of AR headset 400,according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments,processor 409 includes an input/output 408, a processing unit 410, apower supply 420, an imaging module 416, a display 414, an interface415, a memory 411, an AR program module 412, a database 413, a sensingmodule 419.

Input/output 408 is bi-directionally connected to processing unit 410and includes circuitry such as a microphone, keyboard, and cameras. Oneor more cameras, outward facing as illustrated in FIG. 4A, are utilizedfor capturing visual information regarding the physical environmentbeing viewed by the monitored personnel. Information from these outwardfacing cameras is provided to processing unit 410. In some embodiments,AR headset 400 further includes one or more inward facing cameras,utilized to capture biometric inform ad on of the monitored personnel.Biometric information may be authenticated by AR headset 400, portabledevice 301, and/or control center 102. Input/output unit 310 may be usedto enter or output, e.g., audio, images, video, and/or text.

Sensing module 419 is bi-directionally connected to processing unit 410.Sensing module 419 is configured to for detecting various patterns suchas biometric features and items out of place. In an example, sensingmodule 419 utilizes inputs received from input/output 408 toauthenticate the identity of the monitored personnel and/or to recognizeitems in abnormal conditions. In some embodiments, AR headset 400 isinstalled with pattern recognition functions, and sensing module 419 isconfigured to recognize items in abnormal conditions, e.g.,doors/windows/gates that are open but should be closed. In an example,biometric sensors are used for authenticating the identity of themonitored personnel and/or identify inmates/other personnel. Forexample, an inmate's biometric samples can be recorded and sent tocontrol center 102 for analysis and/or recording purposes.

In some embodiments, input/output 408 and/or sensing module 419 receivesvarious types of inputs, e.g., eye movements, head movements, andtype-ins, and converts these inputs to input signals to be sent toprocessing unit 410. In some embodiments, input/output 408 includesvarious sensors, e.g., motion sensors, for detecting movements ofcertain body parts of the monitored personnel such that processing unit410 determines the response of AR headset 400 to the input. For example,eye movement of the monitored personnel can be monitored through aninward facing camera. Eye movement of the personnel can operate muchlike a mouse by following the eye movement moving a cursor and utilizingthe blinks of the eyes to select an item (i.e., similar to a mouseclick). This allows for the entry of alpha numeric or the selection ofitems from the display without the personnel having to use his fingersor hands. Input/output circuitry further includes a projector and othersensors for aligning the augmented reality element that is displayed as,for example, a graphical overlay, in relation to the physical real-worldobjects. Input/output 408 coordinates with processing unit 410 to adjustthe display of the augmented reality element based on personnel's headmovements and the new physical objects being viewed by input/output 408(e.g., an outward facing camera).

Processing unit 410 processes data and inquiries received from otherparts of processor 409 and controls the operation of AR headset 400. Insome embodiments, processing unit 410 coordinates the operation of ARheadset 400 with portable device 301 and/or control center 102. In someembodiments, processing unit 410 determines the data being processed byAR headset 400, the data sent to portable device 301, and the data sentto control center 102. In some embodiments, processing unit 410 alsocoordinates inquiries sent from portable device 301 and/or controlcenter 102. For example, processing unit 410 determines the data, e.g.,positioning data and/or inmate information, that can be obtained fromportable device 301 and/or control center 102 for calculation ordisplay. In some embodiments, processing unit 410 determines how data isvisualized to the monitored personnel. For example, processing unit 410determines real-time videos recorded from different angles are arrangedwhen displaying them to the monitored personnel. In another example,processing unit 410 determines the arrangement of augmented realityelement versus physical objects when displaying them to the monitoredpersonnel, e.g., arranging the augmented reality element as an overlayover the corresponding physical objects.

Display 414 is bi-directionally connected to processing unit 410 anddisplays augmented reality element versus physical objects that themonitored personnel is currently looking at or within a physicalenvironment of the personnel. In an embodiment, input/output 408interacts with AR headset 400 to project the augmented reality elementfor viewing by the monitored personnel. AR headset 400 provides anunobstructed clear view of the personnel's current environment whilealso displaying the augmented reality element. As an example, theaugmented reality element may be output by input/output 408 as atransparent graphical overlay through AR headset 400.

Interface 415 is bi-directionally connected to processing unit 410 andincludes one or more transceivers, transmitters, and/or receivers thatcommunicate via a wireless interface, such as through one or moreantennas, or a wired interface, such as through a USB cable. In anembodiment, interface 415 is configured to transmit and receivecommunications between AR headset 400 and of portable device 301 and/orbetween AR headset 400 and control center 102. In some otherembodiments, interface 415 is also configured to communicate with otherdevices. In an embodiment, interface 415 connects AR headset 400 withother devices such as a mobile device and/or external input devices suchas a keyboard, mouse, camera, or touch interface.

Imaging module 416 is bi-directionally connected to processing unit 410and includes any suitable imaging devices such as visible-light camerasand infrared cameras for capturing the surroundings of the monitoredpersonnel. In some embodiments, the cameras have sufficiently highresolution for facial features of objects to be captured. Power supply420, e.g., batteries, provides power to various parts of AR headset 400.

Memory 411 is bi-directionally connected to processing unit 410 andincludes AR program module 412 and database 413. In some embodiments,memory 411 is a machine-readable medium, e.g., read only memory (ROM),random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storagemedia, flash memory devices, electrical, optical, acoustical or otherforms of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals,digital signals, etc.), and others. AR program module 412 includessuitable programs for generating augmented reality element. Database 413includes any suitable data that can be used by AR headset 400. In someembodiments, database 413 is stored with authentication data of inmatesand personnel, augmented reality data, and/or positioning data. In someembodiments, AR program module 412 utilizes augmented reality data indatabase 413 to generate augmented reality element. In some embodiments,database 413 contains at least a portion of data contained in database113. In some embodiments, portable device 301 and/or control center 102include suitable software, hardware, and data for AR informationgeneration. In some embodiments, processing unit 410 obtains ARinformation generated by portable device 301 and/or control center 102to be displayed by AR headset 400.

In some embodiments, AR headset 400 further includes a positioning unit417 and a signal reader 418, each hi-directionally connected toprocessing unit 410. In some embodiments, signal reader 418 includes anantenna 421. In some embodiments, positioning unit 417 includespositional and motion sensors for determining a current location of ARheadset 400 as well as the current position and orientation of thepersonnel's head. In some embodiments, positional and motion circuitryincludes such circuitry as GPS technology, indoor positioning systems(IPS) technology, accelerometers, and/or gyroscopes to determineposition and motion of AR headset 400 and position and/or orientation ofthe monitored personnel's head. In some embodiments, IPS technologyutilizes GPS positioning information and wireless positioning signalsemitted by positioning signal transmitters 422 and received by signalreader 418 and antenna 421 to determine the real-time position/locationof AR headset 400. In some embodiments, positioning signal transmitters422 are same as or similar to positioning signal transmitters 313. Theworking mechanism of signal reader 318, antenna 421, and the indoor andoutdoor positioning functions of positioning unit 417 can be referred tothe working mechanism of portable device 301.

In some embodiments, AR headset 400 is capable of displaying anaugmented reality input interface, according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure. In some embodiments, For example, as shown in FIG.4C, AR headset 400 provides a virtual keyboard that is displayed as ifit were on a detected surface. As shown in FIG. 4C, in an embodiment, ARheadset 400 detects that the monitored personnel is looking at his arm423 based on image recognition techniques performed at AR headset 400.Upon detecting arm 423, AR headset 400 determines that the monitoredpersonnel would like an input device to interact with multi-functionalplatform 101 and displays augmented reality input interface 424 which isdisplayed by AR headset 400. Augmented reality input interfaces areanother type of augmented reality element and can be similarlyimplemented as a graphical overlay over a physical real-world object. Insome embodiments, augmented reality element 425 is configured to displaya communication that the monitored personnel wishes to send such as anemail.

Accordingly, augmented reality element 425 can concurrently displayaugmented reality input interface 424 on the monitored personnel'sdetected arm as well as augmented reality element 425. In this manner,the monitored personnel can utilize augmented reality input interface424 to input text or otherwise interact with content displayed inaugmented reality element 425. The monitored personnel may utilizeanother input device to interact with augmented reality input interface424. As one example, the monitored personnel may use his/her hand 426 topoint to specific points of augmented reality input interface 424 toselect letters to input into augmented reality element 425. Other meansto interact with augmented input interface 424 include voice commands.For example, the personnel says “A.” Accordingly, AR headset 400 recordsthe voice command and recognizes it as an input for augmented inputinterface 424. AR headset 400 then selects “A” and displays it onaugmented reality element 425. In some embodiments, the input is sent toone or more of AR headset 400, portable device 301, and control center102.

In some embodiments, similar to portable device 301, AR headset 400 isable to detect nearby multi-functional wireless devices and streamcertain files to control center 102. In some embodiments, AR headset 400displays the result of detection obtained from portable device 301. Insome embodiments, AR headset 400 displays the streamed files, e.g.,audio, video, location information, and current usage of themulti-functional wireless devices to the monitored personnel inreal-time. In some embodiments, control center 102 is capable ofrecording the streamed files from portable device 301 and/or AR headset400. In some embodiments, third party 115 is capable of receiving thereal-time streaming of files and recording the files through controlcenter 102.

In some embodiments, AR headset 400 automatically captures the facialfeatures of each inmate as the monitored personnel, wearing AR headset400, passes the residential area, e.g., cell, of the inmate. AR headset400 automatically performs a facial recognition of the facial feature ofeach inmate and obtains the information related to the identity of theinmate. For example, AR headset 400 automatically displays theinformation of the inmate upon the detection of the inmate's identity.In some embodiments, the information includes name, birthday, offensehistory, reasons for incarceration, and contact history of an inmate.Other information can also be displayed. In some embodiments, AR headset400 captures the facial features of inmates through one or more of thefront camera, the side cameras, and the rear camera. In someembodiments, AR headset 400 streams the captured images/videos tocontrol center 102. In some embodiments, AR headset 400 streams thecaptured images/videos to third party 115 through control center 102. Insome embodiments, AR headset 400 and/or control center 102 can monitorthe inmates in real-time and/or record the streamed images/videos.

In some embodiments, multi-functional platform 101 further includes awearable device that supplements the functions of portable device 301.FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram 500 of a wearable device 501containing certain functions to supplement certain functions of portabledevice 301. In some embodiments, wearable device 501 also includes ARfunctions. In an embodiment, wearable device 501 includes any suitablewearable devices being fixed onto the monitored personnel, such as awatch, a strap, and/or a band. Wearable device 501 is fixed at aposition of the monitored personnel's body to more conveniently detectcertain signals/data. For example, wearable device 501 is in the form ofa watch or band, fixed on the monitored personnel's arm.

Similar to portable device 301, in some embodiments, wearable device 501includes an input/output 502, a processor 503, a display 504, a GPSreceiver 505, a sensing modules 507, an interface 508, a motion sensor509, a power supply 510, a memory 511, a signal reader 512, an imagingmodule 513, and an antenna 514. In one embodiment, wearable device 501communicates with portable device 301, control center 102, AR devices211, and/or other suitable device (not shown) in communication system100 through interface 508. The functions of these parts are similar orsame as the corresponding parts in portable device 301 and are notrepeated herein. In one embodiment, wearable device 501 sends receivedsignals/data to portable device 301, AR devices 211, and/or controlcenter 102 for processing and analysis. Accordingly, wearable device 501receives commands/inquiries from portable device 301, AR devices 211,and/or control center 102 to execute functions.

In some embodiments, wearable device 501 further includes a heart ratesensor 506 and a motion sensor 509. Heart rate sensor 506 can be anysuitable sensing device that monitors the heart rate or pulse of themonitored personnel. For example, heart rate sensor 506 can be a strapsensor or strapless sensor, including necessary accessories. Motionsensor 509 can be any suitable sensing device that detects the bodymotion of the monitored personnel. For example, motion sensor 509 can bea solid-state sensor or non-solid-state sensor. In an embodiment,wearable device 501 more accurately detects the heart rate change andbody motion change of the monitored personnel. In some embodiments,wearable device 501 further includes suitable sensors (not shown) fordetecting the respiration rate of the monitored personnel. Detectedheart rate, body motion, and/or respiration rate are sent to portabledevice 301, AR devices 211, and/or control center 102 to be processedand analyzed.

In another example, monitored personnel has the option to use wearabledevice 501 to record images and videos, or stream videos. Compared toportable device 501, wearable device 501 is smaller, easier to carry andwear, and provides more convenience and shorter response time forcertain actions. In various embodiments, monitored personnel has theoption to use one or more of the portable device 301 and wearable device501.

In some embodiments, multi-functional platform 101 further includes apositioning component/gadget (not shown) attached to or fixed onto themonitored personnel. The positioning component communicates with one ormore of portable device 301, AR devices 211 and wearable device 501 sothat the one or more of these devices can detect the presence of thepositioning component when the positioning component is in the closeproximity of the one or more of these devices. The positioning componentis firmly fixed onto the monitored personnel, e.g., semi-permanently, toprevent removal by anyone other than an authorized personnel, e.g., themonitored personnel and/or a supervisor. Thus, the positioning componentmore precisely reflects the relative position between the monitoredpersonnel and the one or more of portable device 301, AR devices 211 andwearable device 501, and ensures the monitored personnel in a closeproximity, e.g., detectable range, of one or more of these devices. Inan embodiment, the positioning component communicates with AR devices211 for the relative positioning of the monitored personnel.

In some embodiments, the positioning component includes a wirelesscommunication portion that transmits wireless positioning signals to oneor more of portable device 301, AR devices 211 and wearable device 501,for these devices to determine the relative position between themonitored personnel and these devices. In some embodiments, the wirelesscommunication portion includes passive and/or active RF tags fortransmitting RF signals receivable by these devices. For example, the RFtags can be passive and respond to detection inquiries from one or moreof these devices by sending RF signals at a certain frequency. Inanother example, the RF tags can be active and periodically send out RFsignals for one or more of these devices to track the presence of themonitored personnel. In some embodiments, the RF tags include Bluetoothlow energy (BLE) RF tags. In some embodiments, when one or more of thesedevices fail to detect the presence of the monitored personnel, an alertis sent to control center 102 to report the absence of the monitoredpersonnel.

The positioning component can be attached to the monitored personnel inany suitable forms. In some embodiments, the positioning component caninclude any suitable device tethered to the monitored personnel. Forexample, the positioning component can include an ankle strap, atethered ankle monitor, a wrist strap, a tethered wrist monitor, and/orother suitable devices tethered to the monitored personnel. In someembodiments, the positioning component can include an implant to themonitored personnel.

FIG. 6A illustrates a portion of a simulated map 600 reflecting certainstatus of subjects/objects in the area corresponding to the portion ofmap 600. Map 600 is simulated based on the signals/data provided byportable device 301, AR devices 211, and/or wearable device 501, withstored map data. Activities reflected by map 600 indicate real-timestatus of each subject/object detected by multi-functional platform 101.In some embodiments, map 600 is displayed at control center 102. In someembodiments, map 600 is also displayed on portable device 301, wearabledevice 501, and/or AR devices 211 carried by the monitored personnel.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the map shows the controlled environment includesan indoor environment and an outdoor environment. A portable device,same as or similar to portable device 301, is represented by element601. The indoor environment contains cells 1-8, each being installed apositioning signal transmitter 603-n (n=1, 2, . . . , 8) in the cell. Apositioning signal transmitter 603-n represents one or more transmittersof same or different types of positioning methods, e.g., Bluetooth,WiFi, RF, and/or ultrasound, where they can be installed in same ordifferent positions in a cell. The positions of the transmitters allowsignals transmitted by the transmitters to be sufficiently strong in adetectable distance range of a detecting devices, e.g., portable device301 and/or AR headset 602. As shown in map 600, one inmate is positionedin cell 2, wearing an ID tag 603-22, another inmate is positioned incell 3, wearing an ID tag 603-33, and another inmate is positioned incell 7, wearing an ID tag 603-77. Inmate in cell 3 possesses amulti-functional wireless device 603-333. Inmate in cell 7 possesses acontraband wireless device 603-777. The monitored personnel is walkingalong the aisle for, e.g., a walk and observe assignment. In anembodiment, map 600 shows a designed path, the double-headed arrow, forthe monitored personnel to follow. The area between the dashed lines isa permitted area to the monitored personnel, e.g., the monitoredpersonnel is free to move in the area but is not permitted to go beyondthe dashed lines. Element 604 represents any electronic device that cancommunicate with portable device 601.

In an embodiment, the monitored guard further wears an AR headset. TheAR headset, same as or similar to AR headset 400, is represented byelement 602. In some embodiments, AR headset 602 allows the monitoredguard to simultaneously see front, side, and/or rear surroundings withaugmented reality element. In an embodiment, the monitored personnelselects AR headset 602 to display front and rear views.

In an embodiment, a monitored personnel carries portable device 601 andAR headset 602 in an assignment. When the monitored personnel is in theindoor environment, portable device 601 automatically switches to“indoor mode,” and transmits detected signals/data to control center 102(not shown in FIG. 6) in real-time. Positioning signal transmitters603-n (n=1-8) includes WiFi access points transmitting known WiFisignals and other related parameters, e.g., MAC addresses, of the accesspoints. Inmates in cells 2, 3, and 7 each wears an RFID, containingidentification information of the inmates. Portable device 601 receivesthe WiFi signals and other parameters transmitted by nearby accesspoints, transmits received Win signals and parameters to control center102, and calculates the real-time location of portable device 601 basedon the received WiFi signals and parameters, and pre-stored referencesignal strength data of the WiFi signals. As the monitored personnel ismoving, portable device 601 continuously sends received WiFi signals andparameters to control center 102 and calculates the real-time locationof portable device 601. Portable device 601 further calculates movingspeed, path, and/or dwelling times based on the positioning data.Results of the calculation are displayed on portable device 601.

Meanwhile, control center 102 similarly calculates the location, movingspeed, path, and/or dwelling times based on received data. If anabnormal status is detected, e.g., monitored personnel moves beyond thepermitted area, e.g., deviates from the designed path, both portabledevice 601 and control center 102 generate an alert, prompting themonitored personnel to respond within a certain period of time, e.g.,one minute. In an embodiment, AR headset 602 displays the map, thesimulated positioning information calculated by portable device 601, andaugmented reality alert of “deviation from path” or the like as anoverlay of the front view for the monitored personnel to see. Themonitored personnel has the option to respond through portable device601 or AR headset 602, e.g., by inputting text or voice. If themonitored personnel fails to respond within this period of time,portable device 601 starts streaming video to control center 102 and ARheadset 602 displays an alert of “starting streaming of video” as anoverlay of the front view. In another example, if portable device 601 isdetected to be staying at one location or certain locations for anunexpected long period of time, portable device 601, AR headset 602,and/or control center 102 generate an alert, prompting the monitoredpersonnel to respond within a certain period of time. In an embodiment,when the monitored personnel is detected to have deviated from thedesigned path, portable device 601 automatically starts recording videoand streaming the recorded video to control center 102. In someembodiments, when the monitored personnel is detected to have deviatedfrom the designed path, AR headset 602 automatically starts streamingthe front view and the rear view to control center 102. In anotherembodiment, control center 102 controls portable device 601 and awearable device same as or similar to wearable device 501 to both startrecording and streaming videos when the monitored personnel is detectedto have deviated from the designed path.

In another embodiment, portable device 601 detects and counts thepresence of inmates in the detectable distance range. Portable device601 reads out identification information transmitted by the ID tags,e.g., RFID tags 603-22, 603-33, and 603-77, carried by the inmates, andsends the identification information to control center 102. Controlcenter 102 compares the identification and location information withpre-stored inmate data and determines whether the presence informationmatches pre-stored inmate data. If a mismatch is found, e.g., inmateabsent or inmate in the wrong cell, control center 102 send an alert toportable device 601, prompting the monitored personnel to check andconfirm. If the monitored personnel fails to respond within a certainperiod of time or confirms absence, control center 102 sends an alert toother monitored personnel carrying portable devices 601 and/or otherpersonnel. In an embodiment, ID tags 603-22, 603-33, and 603-77 alsocontain Bluetooth beacons. Portable device 601 detects the location andmoving of inmates carrying the ID tags based on received Bluetoothsignals. In an example, when portable device 601 detects an inmate ismoving towards the monitored personnel at an unusually high speed,portable device 601 alerts the monitored personnel. The monitoredpersonnel has the option to respond to such situation by notifyingcontrol center 102 and/or other personnel. In various embodiments,positioning information of inmates are also sent to control center 102through communication device for further processing and calculation.

In an embodiment, ID tags, e.g., 603-22, 603-33, and 603-77, contain thecriminal and/or violation history of corresponding inmates, which isalso stored in control center 102. When an inmate having a history ofaggression or malicious behavior, e.g., being malicious towardspersonnel in the controlled environment, is detected to be in theproximity of the monitored personnel, portable device 601 or controlcenter 102 sends an alert to the monitored personnel, notifying him/herthe presence of such inmate.

In an embodiment, portable device 601 detects an unknown wireless signal603-777 within the detectable distance range, e.g., transmitted from acontraband wireless device in cell 7. The unknown signal 603-777,corresponding location, and/or corresponding inmate information are thusdetected by portable device 601 and control center 102. Control center102 further starts investigation of the contraband wireless device.

In an embodiment, when the monitored personnel undergoes a sudden bodymotion or sudden heart rate increase/decrease, portable device 601 sendsan alert to control center 102 and starts streaming video. In variousembodiments, the monitored personnel has the option to initiatecommunication, e.g., texting or video chatting, sending images and voicemessages, and/or record images and videos during an assignment. Themonitored personnel also has the option to start streaming videos at adesired time.

In an embodiment, portable device 601 includes voice control functions.A voice sample of the monitored personnel is stored and registered incommunication system 100 for authenticate the monitored personnel'sidentity. The monitored personnel has the option to activate certainfunctions of portable device 601 using his/her voice and/or certainphrases. In some embodiments, a portable device 601 can only be voicecontrolled by the monitored personnel assigned to portable device 601.

In an embodiment, wireless device 604 communicates with portable device601 by sending related information, e.g., type, manufacturer, usage,operation status, etc. In some embodiments, wireless device 604 iscontrolled by control center 102 and/or portable device 601. Themonitored personnel and/or control center 102 have the option toremotely control certain functions of wireless device 604, e.g.,recording of videos, sending location of wireless device 604 to portabledevice 601/control center 102, and so on. The availability of functionsare dependent on the type of wireless device 604 and should not belimited by the embodiments of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, when the monitored personnel enters the outdoorenvironment, portable device 601 directly switches to the “outdoormode,” and starts sending GPS coordinates to control center 102 inreal-time. Meanwhile, portable device 601 calculates positioninginformation using GPS coordinates and updates the positioninginformation on the map.

In various embodiments, the monitored personnel also wears a wearabledevice (not shown in FIG. 6A) same as or similar to wearable device 501illustrated in FIG. 5. The operation of the wearable device is similarto portable device 601. In some embodiments, portable device 601receives heart rate data and body motion data of the monitored personnelfrom wearable device and sends the data to control center 102. Forexample, when guard undergoes a sudden acceleration or movement, e.g.,falling on the floor, the wearable device and/or portable device 601detect such abnormal activity and send an alert to control center 102.In some embodiments, the recording/streaming functions of portabledevice 601 and the wearable device can be used separately. That is, themonitored personnel has the option to use portable device 601 and thewearable device at same time for recording/streaming different scenes,or use portable device 601 and wearable device at different times.Control center 102 has the authority to control the operation ofportable device 601 and wearable device.

In some embodiments, the wearable device includes only certain functionsof portable device 601 to supplement portable device 601. Accordingly,the wearable device has reduced volume and size, and is easier to wear.For example, the wearable device may only have the heart rate and bodymotion monitoring function and data transmission function. Detectedheart rate and body motion data is sent to portable device 601 and/orcontrol center 102 for processing and analysis. In some embodiments,portable device 601 and the wearable device have complementaryfunctions.

In an embodiment, AR headset 602 is configured to detect nearby inmates,similar to portable device 601, and perform facial recognition ofinmates captured in the camera. AR headset 602 displays augmentedreality element of the recognized inmates upon the detection of theinmates. In an embodiment, AR headset 602 displays information ofinmates as augmented reality data when the monitored personnel passesthe inmates' assigned locations. In some embodiments, at least somefunctions performed by AR headset 602 overlap with the functionsperformed by portable device 601.

Depending on different applications and design preferences,communication system 100, including control center 102, portable device601, AR headset 602, and wearable device are configured to respond todifferent situations differently. In various embodiments, portabledevice 601, AR headset 602, and the wearable device are configured tohave complementary functions in response to various situations. Thecombination of situations and responses should be subjected to designsand preferences of different applications and should not be limited bythe embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B illustrates exemplary front and rear views displayed by ARheadset 400. In an example, AR headset 400 arranges the front view 607on top of rear view 608 for ease of viewing by the monitored personnel.In an embodiment, in the front view 607, the monitored personnel seesthe inmate cells 2-4 and 6-8 through AR headset 400. AR headset 400displays augmented reality element, e.g., ID tags 603-22, 603-33, and603-77 in cells 2, 3, and 7, respectively, to inform the monitoredpersonnel the presence of corresponding inmates. AR headset 400 alsodisplays augmented reality element showing existence of contrabandelectronic device 603-777 in cell 7 and multi-functional wireless device603-333 in cell 3. AR headset 400 further displays augmented realityelement of the boundary of the permitted area (dashed lines) andpermitted direction of moving. In some embodiments, AR headset 400further displays augmented reality element such as text messages. Forexample, as shown in front view 607, AR headset 400 displays augmentedreality text of an alert, notifying the monitored personnel amulti-functional wireless device 603-333 in cell 3 and a contrabandelectronic device 603-777 in cell 7. Upon the detection ofmulti-functional wireless device 603-333, control center 102 starts toinvestigate the identity of the inmate associated with the device anddetermines whether multi-functional wireless device 603-333 is within apermitted area.

In an embodiment, in the rear view 608, the monitored personnel sees thetwo inmates 605 and 606 located behind the monitored personnel. Throughfacial recognition, AR headset 400 detects the identities of inmates 605and 606, and displays augmented reality elements, e.g., in the form oftext messages 609 and 610 that include name, birthday, offense history,cell number, and contact history of each inmate by the physicalimage/video of each inmate. In an embodiment, front view 607 and rearview 608 are streamed to control center 102 in real-time for controlcenter 102 to monitor the controlled environment. In an embodiment,front view 607 and rear view 608 are accessed by third party 115 throughcontrol center 102 in real-time.

Control Center

Control center 700 is configured to receive data, process data, and/ormake decisions based on the processing results. Control center 700 issimilar to or same as control center 102 in previous description of thepresent disclosure. In an embodiment, control center 700 includescommunication server 701, database server 702, analysis server 703,biometric server 704, positioning server 705, simulation server 707,AR/VR server 708, object-recognition server 709, and database 710, allof which are connected to one another via a network bus 711. In someembodiments, the functions of communication server 701, database server702, analysis server 703, biometric server 704, positioning server 705,signal-detection server 706, simulation server 707, AR/VR server 708,object-recognition server 709, and database 710 are implemented within asingle device. Each of servers 701-709 can be constructed as individualphysical hardware devices, or as virtual servers. The number of physicalhardware machines can be scaled to match the number of simultaneous userconnections desired to be supported by communication system 100. Forcontrol center 700 includes any suitable database for storing datareceived from the servers and other parties. Additional database canalso be included in database 710 to facilitate proper functions ofcontrol center 700.

In an embodiment, communication server 701 consists of one or moreservers, and is configured to receive and transmit information to/fromone or more authorized facilities such as control center 700 andmulti-functional platform 101. Communication server 701 receives inputfrom multi-functional platform 101 and other parties and send theprocessed input to analysis server 703. That is, communication server701 forwards inquiries to respective analysis server 703 through networkbus 711 for analysis of and generation of a response to the inquiry.Communication server 701 further receives the response from analysisserver 703 and forwards the response to the appropriate party.

In an embodiment, communication server 701 is further configured toperform authentication of inquiries to determine whether the submittingfacility or party is authorized to access the information located indatabase 710. If the facility or party is authenticated, communicationserver 701 continues with the inquiry process by, for example,forwarding the inquiry to analysis server 703. Moreover, communicationserver 701 is further configured to encrypt and decrypt allcommunications transmitted and received by communication system 100 forsecurity purposes. In an embodiment, a facility/party is authorized onlyto write data into database 710, only to read data from database 710, orauthorized to both read data from and write data into database 710. Inanother embodiment, communication server 701 is configured to providedifferent levels of access to database 710 based on the type of facilityand the type of party. Moreover, access to data within database 710 mayvary based on the type of data to which access is sought. For example,one facility can be authorized only to access certain types of data intodatabase 710, such as the data that the facility has uploaded. Anotherfacility can be authorized to access its data as well as data provide byother facilities. The access by facilities can be limited to read only,write only, or read/mite based on the type of facility, the type ofdata, or any other parameters related to the unified database system.

In an embodiment, database server 702 consists of one or more servers,and is configured to store and organize data in database 710. Databaseserver 702 can be configured to run a database management system, suchas MYSQL™. Database server 702 interfaces with database 710 to storeinformation provided to communication system 100 multi-functionalplatform 101 and other parties. Database server 702 can further beconfigured to provide information from database 710 to connectedfacilities who submit inquiries. Moreover, database server 702 isconfigured to encrypt the information prior to storage to ensuresecurity of the information.

In an embodiment, analysis server 703 consists of one or more servers,and functions as the primary logic processing center in control center700. Analysis server 703 processes information input from other servers,multi-functional platforms 101 of different monitored personnel, andinformation input from monitoring personnel at control center 700.Analysis server 703 makes decisions based on the information input, andresponds correspondingly. As part of its functionality to conductanalysis of inquiries based on data in database 710, analysis server 703can further be configured to manage and facilitate communication betweencommunication server 701, database server 702, biometric server 704,positioning sever 705, simulation server 707, AR/VR server 708,object-recognition server 709, and database 710.

In various embodiments, analysis server 703 also generates logs andreports reflecting activities of monitored personnel. The logs andreports may include analytical reports and visual representations of amonitored personnel's activities in a certain period of time. In variousembodiments, because analysis server 703 is connected to database 710and other servers, analysis server 703 analyzes patterns based on datareceived from other servers and retrieved from database 710 to determinewhether a detected activity or status is abnormal and respondsaccordingly.

In an embodiment, biometric server 704 consists of one or more servers,and is configured to process and/or store biometric data of inmates andother personnel in the controlled environment. Biometric data caninclude any information regarding an inmate's or personnel's appearance,physical characteristics, or other identifying traits that may be uniqueto the person such as voice data, facial recognition data (2D or 3D),handwriting samples, and/or fingerprint data. Biometric server 704 isconfigured to assist in analyzing biometric input sent frommulti-functional platform 101. For example, biometric server 704 cancompare received biometric input against stored biometric data.

In an embodiment, positioning server 705 consists of one or moreservers, and is configured to determine the location of a monitoredpersonnel based on received data/signals from multi-functional platform101 and data stored in database 710. Received data/signals includesignals transmitted by positioning signal transmitters and GPScoordinates. Positioning server 705 includes algorithm(s) an models forcalculating the indoor location and outdoor location of a monitoredpersonnel, based on received data/signals and reference data stored indatabase 710. Positioning server 705 also includes algorithm(s) forcalculating the surroundings, e.g., presence of inmates and certainelectronic devices, of a monitored personnel based on receiveddata/signals and reference data stored in database 710. Results ofcalculation are further sent to analysis server 702 for furtherprocessing or decision making, or sent to simulation server 707 to bevisualized.

In an embodiment; signal-detection server 706 consists of one or moreservers, and is configured to detect wireless signals within a scannedwavelength range. Signal-detection server 706 is configured to scan oneor more wavelength ranges to capture wireless signals, e.g., Winsignals, RF signals, Bluetooth signals, and/or ultrasound signals.Information of detected signals is transmitted to analysis server 703 toseparate the unknown or suspicious wireless signals from the known andallowed wireless signals. Known or allowed wireless signals are furtheranalyzed to determine their usage, e.g., for positioning oridentification, etc. Unknown wireless signals are further analyzed todetermine the properties and possible sources.

In an embodiment, simulation server 707 consists of one or more servers,and is configured to simulate real-time activities of a monitoredpersonnel based on data stored in database 113 and signals/data sentfrom other servers. Simulation server 707 extracts coordinatesinformation from database 113 to generate a map of controlledenvironment, and simulates/updates the path, moving speed, and dwellingtimes of the monitored personnel in the map so that the map reflects thereal-time status of the monitored personnel. Simulation server 707 alsosimulates other detectable objects/subjects in real-time in the mapbased on data/signals received from other servers. For example,simulation server 707 also simulates the presence and status of inmateswearing/carrying certain signal-transmitting tags, e.g., radio frequency(RF) ID tags, and any devices transmitting a suitable detectable signal.The detectable objects/subjects are also displayed in the map.

In an embodiment, AR/VR server 708 consists of one or more servers, andis configured to generate augmented reality element and/or virtualreality element upon commands and/or detection of certain objects usingdata stored in database 113 and/or detected data from other servers.AR/VR server 708 includes algorithm and module for generating varioustext, graphics, images, and videos to be displayed to the monitoredpersonnel and/or monitoring personnel. AR/VR server 708 extracts datafrom database 113 based on the detected objects or commands fromanalysis server 703 to generate augmented reality element that providesinformation in addition to the physical objects.

In an embodiment, object-recognition server 709 consists of one or moreservers, and is configured to perform facial recognition and/or patternrecognition of the objects in the surroundings captured in theimages/videos. Object-recognition server 709 includes algorithms andmodules for comparing the objects detected in the images/videos usingpre-stored facial feature samples and/or object pattern samples indatabase 710. Object-recognition server 709 further sends the results ofpattern comparison to analysis server 703 for further analysis.

In an embodiment, database 710 provides access to all communicationsystem 100 used for various calculations. In general, database 710stores any data stored by communication server 701, database server 702,analysis server 703, biometric server 704, positioning server 705,simulation server 707, AR/VR server 708, and object-recognition server709. Because the data stored on database 710 may consume a significantamounts of storage space, database 710 may include a Network AttachedStorage (NAS) device, which is configured as a mass storage device, orconfigured as a storage area network (SAN) comprising multiple storagedevices. In order to reduce the required size, database 710 preferablyincludes a backup routine to transfer data to permanent storage devices,such as archival permanent storage or optical disks, after apredetermined time has elapsed since the initial recording of that data.Database 710 is connected to communication server 701, database server702, analysis server 703, biometric server 704, positioning server 705,simulation server 707, AR/VR server 708, and object-recognition server709 by way of the network bus 711.

System Operations

Operations of monitoring activities of a monitored author usingcommunication system 100 will be described with respect to FIGS. 8, 9,and 10. Although the physical devices and components that form thesystem have largely already been described, additional details regardingtheir operations will be described below with respect to FIGS. 1-7.While FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 contain methods of operation of communicationsystem 100 for monitored personnel of a controlled environment, theoperations are not limited to the order described below, and variousoperations can be performed in a different order. Further, two or moreoperations of each method can be performed simultaneously with eachother.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart diagram of a method 800 of tracking ofthe monitored personnel and detecting an unknown suspicious wirelesssignal, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In step 801,control center prompts the monitored personnel, carrying themulti-functional platform, to enter identity-related information. Instep 802, control center determines whether the identity of themonitored personnel is authenticated, if the identity of the monitoredpersonnel fails to be authenticated, process proceeds to step 803; ifthe identity of the monitored personnel is authenticated, processproceeds to step 804. In step 803, control center determines whether thenumber of times of entering the identity-related information is lessthan N, N being a positive integer, process returns step 801, if thenumber of times of entering the identity-related information exceeds N,process proceeds to step 805. In step 805, control center notifiesmonitoring personnel about failed attempts of identity authenticationand locks the personnel's account. In step 804, control center startsheart rate monitoring, wireless signal scanning, and body motion sensingfrom the beginning of an assignment. In step 806, control centerreceives positioning signals and locates the position of the monitoredpersonnel. In step 807, control center receives a plurality of wirelesssignals, filters out unknown wireless signals, sends an alert andlocations of unknown wireless signals to the monitored personnel, andstarts video recording and streaming videos from multi-functionalplatform.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart diagram of a method of tracking of themonitored personnel and detecting a deviation of path of the monitoredpersonnel, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Steps901-903 and 905 are similar to or same as steps 801-803 and 805,respectively. In step 904, control center starts wireless signalscanning and video recording of the front view of the monitoredpersonnel. In step 906, control center receives positioning signals ofthe monitored personnel and presence information of inmates from thedetected wireless signals. Control center also detects infrared signalfrom behind the monitored personnel. In step 907, control center detectspath of the monitored personnel being deviated from designed path, sendsan alert to the monitored personnel, and waits for the monitoredpersonnel's reply for a certain period of time. Control center alsoturns on rear camera and starts recording the rear view of the monitoredpersonnel, and performs facial recognition of the detected objects.Control center further displays corresponding AR information of therecognized objects. In step 908, if the monitored personnel fails toreply in the certain period of time or inmates of malicious history aredetected, control center sends an alert to monitoring personnel andother monitored personnel.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart diagram of a method of tracking of themonitored personnel and detecting sudden changes in heart rate and bodymotion, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Steps1001-1003 and 1005 are similar to or same as steps 1001-1003 and 1005,respectively. In step 1004, control center starts heart rate monitoring,body motion sensing, wireless signal scanning, and video streaming ofthe front view and side views of the monitored personnel. In step 1006,control center receives positioning signals and locates position of themonitored personnel. Control center also detects presence ofmulti-functional wireless device in a forbidden cell nearby. Controlcenter further performs facial recognition and pattern recognition ofobjects captured in the front view and side views of the monitoredpersonnel. In step 1007, control center displays corresponding ARinformation of each detected inmate, displays corresponding ARinformation of the location of the multi-functional wireless device andthe inmate associated with the multi-functional wireless device. In step1008, control center streams the video recording of the front view andthe side views, and the displayed AR information to a third party.

Exemplary Computer Implementation

It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) thatvarious elements and features of the present disclosure, as describedherein, can be implemented in hardware using analog and/or digitalcircuits, in software, through the execution of computer instructions byone or more general purpose or special-purpose processors, or as acombination of hardware and software.

The following description of a general purpose computer system isprovided for the sake of completeness. Embodiments of the presentdisclosure can be implemented in hardware, or as a combination ofsoftware and hardware. Consequently, embodiments of the disclosure maybe implemented in the environment of a computer system or otherprocessing system. For example, the control center of FIG. 1 and themethods of FIGS. 8-10 can be implemented in the environment of one ormore computer systems or other processing systems. An example of such acomputer system 1100 is shown in FIG. 11. One or more of the modulesdepicted in the previous figures can be at least partially implementedon one or more distinct computer systems 1100.

Computer system 1100 includes one or more processors, such as processor1104. Processor 1104 can be a special purpose or a general purposedigital signal processor. Processor 1104 is connected to a communicationinfrastructure 1106 (for example, a bus or network). Various softwareimplementations are described in terms of this exemplary computersystem. After reading this description, it will become apparent to aperson skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosureusing other computer systems and/or computer architectures.

Computer system 1100 also includes a main memory 1108, preferably randomaccess memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory 1110.Secondary memory 1110 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 1112and/or a removable storage drive 1114, representing a floppy disk drive,a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, or the like. Removablestorage drive 1114 reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit1118 in a well-known manner. Removable storage unit 1118 represents afloppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, or the like, which is read byand written to by removable storage drive 1114. As will be appreciatedby persons skilled in the relevant art(s), removable storage unit 1122includes a computer usable storage medium having stored therein computersoftware and/or data.

In alternative implementations, secondary memory 1110 can include othersimilar means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to beloaded into computer system 1100. Such means may include, for example, aremovable storage unit 1122 and an interface 1120. Examples of suchmeans may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such asthat found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as anEPROM, or PROM) and associated socket, a thumb drive and USB port, andother removable storage units 1122 and interfaces 1120 which allowsoftware and data to be transferred from removable storage unit 1122 tocomputer system 1100.

Computer system 1100 also includes user input/out interface(s) 1102which provide an interface to user input/output device(s) 1103. Suchuser input/output device(s) 1103 may be any device that provides a useraccess to input and output of computer system 1100. Examples of userinput/output device(s) 1103 may include a keyboard, a computer monitor,a mouse, a camera, and a microphone.

Computer system 1100 also includes a communications interface 1124.Communications interface 1124 allows software and data to be transferredbetween computer system 1100 and external devices 1128 which can includeremote device(s), other network(s), and other entities. Examples ofcommunications interface 1124 can include a modem, a network interface(such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a PCMCIA slot andcard, etc. Software and data transferred via communications interface1124 are in the form of signals which can be electronic,electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received bycommunications interface 1124. These signals are provided tocommunications interface 1124 via a communications path 1126.Communications path 1126 carries signals and may be implemented usingwire or cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link, an RFlink and other communications channels.

As used herein, the terms “computer program medium” and “computerreadable medium” are used to generally refer to tangible storage mediasuch as removable storage units 1118 and 1122 or a hard disk installedin hard disk drive 1112. These computer program products are means forproviding software to computer system 1100.

Computer programs (also called computer control logic) are stored inmain memory 1108 and/or secondary memory 1110. Computer programs canalso be received via communications interface 1124. Such computerprograms, when executed, enable the computer system 1100 to implementthe present disclosure as discussed herein. In particular, the computerprograms, when executed, enable processor 1104 to implement theprocesses of the present disclosure, such as any of the methodsdescribed herein. Accordingly, such computer programs representcontrollers of the computer system 1100. Where the disclosure isimplemented using software, the software may be stored in a computerprogram product and loaded into computer system 1100 using removablestorage drive 1114, interface 1120, or communications interface 1124.

In another embodiment, features of the disclosure are implementedprimarily in hardware using, for example, hardware components such asapplication-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and gate arrays.Implementation of a hardware state machine so as to perform thefunctions described herein will also be apparent to persons skilled inthe relevant art(s).

CONCLUSION

It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and notthe Abstract section, is intended to be used to interpret the claims.The Abstract section may set forth one or more, but not all exemplaryembodiments, and thus, is not intended to limit the disclosure and theappended claims in any way.

The disclosure has been described above with the aid of functionalbuilding blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functionsand relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional buildingblocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of thedescription. Alternate boundaries may be defined so long as thespecified functions and relationships thereof are appropriatelyperformed.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) that variouschanges in form and detail can be made therein without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure should notbe limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, butshould be defined only in accordance with the following claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-functional device comprising: atransceiver configured to communicate with a communication network; acommunication interface connected with a database that storespositioning data for determining a location of the user, monitoring datafor determining a real-time status associated with the user, andidentification data for identifying objects in a physical environment ofthe user, and a processor configured to: receive a positioning signalreflecting the location of the user and surrounding data reflecting thephysical environment from the communication network; determine thelocation of the user based on the positioning signal and the positioningdata; recognize objects in the physical environment at the location ofthe user based on the surrounding data and the identification data;determine whether the real-time status of the user is an abnormal statusbased on at least one of the objects in the physical environment at thelocation of the user, the location of the user, the positioning data, orthe monitoring data; and in response to the real-time status being anabnormal status, perform an action based on at least one of the objectsin the physical environment at the location of the user, or the locationof the user.
 2. The multi-functional device according to claim 1,wherein the processor is further configured to: receive a piece ofstatus data; and determine whether the real-time status of the user isan abnormal status based on at least one of the positioning data, themonitoring data, or the piece of status data.
 3. The multi-functionaldevice according to claim 1, wherein the real-time status comprises atleast one of a path of the user, a location of the user, a moving speedof the user, a dwelling time of the user, a heart rate of the user, abody motion of the user, a video recording of the user, an audiorecording of the user, a message by the user, a response time of theuser, a presence of an inmate, an identity of the inmate, a location ofthe inmate, or a moving speed of the inmate.
 4. The multi-functionaldevice according to claim 3, wherein the real-time status comprises atleast one of a frequency of a wireless communication signal or alocation of the wireless signal.
 5. The multi-functional deviceaccording to claim 4, wherein the abnormal status comprises at least oneof the path of the user being deviated from a designed path, thelocation of the user being deviated from a designed location, the movingspeed of the user being overly slow, the moving speed of the user beingoverly fast, the dwelling time of the user being overly long, a suddenchange of the heart rate of the user, a sudden change of the body motionof the user, abnormal content in the video recording of the user,abnormal content in the audio recording of the user, abnormal content inthe message by the user, an overly long response time of the user, anabnormal presence of an inmate, an identity mismatch of the inmate, anabnormal location of the inmate, an overly fast moving speed of theinmate, an unknown wireless communication signal, a forbidden wirelesscommunication signal, an object at an abnormal condition, or an objectat a forbidden location.
 6. The multi-functional device according toclaim 5, wherein the action comprises at least one of sending an alertto the user, enabling video recording, enabling image recording,enabling video streaming, sharing the location of the user, sending analert to other users, sharing the location of the inmate with the otherusers, or sharing the location of the wireless signal with other users.7. The multi-functional device according to claim 1, wherein thedatabase further stores profile data for describing the objects in thephysical environment of the user, and the processor is furtherconfigured to generate an augmented reality (AR) element based on theprofile data and the objects in the physical environment.
 8. Themulti-functional device according to claim 7, wherein the AR elementincludes at least one of identities of the objects, profile of theobjects, status of the objects, or the real-time status of the user. 9.The multi-functional device according to claim 1, wherein the physicalenvironment includes at least one of a front environment, a rearenvironment; or side environments of the user.
 10. The multi-functionaldevice according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of positioningsignals comprises at least one of an indoor positioning signal or anoutdoor positioning signal.
 11. The multi-functional device according toclaim 10, wherein the indoor positioning signal includes at least one ofa radio frequency signal, a Bluetooth signal; a WiFi signal, or anultrasonic signal.
 12. The multi-functional device according to claim 1,wherein the positioning data comprises reference positioning data fordetermining the location of the user, and the monitoring data comprisescriteria for determining the real-time status of the user.
 13. Amulti-functional device for positioning and monitoring a first user, themulti-functional device comprising: a transceiver configured tocommunicate with a communication network; a communication interfaceconnected with a database that stores positioning data for determining alocation of the user, monitoring data for determining a real-time statusassociated with the user, and identification data for identifyingobjects in a physical environment of the user, and a processorconfigured to: receive a positioning signal reflecting the location ofthe user and surrounding data reflecting the physical environment fromthe communication network; determine the location of the user based onthe positioning signal and the positioning data; recognize objects inthe physical environment at the location of the user based on thesurrounding data and the profile data; determine whether the real-timestatus of the user is an abnormal status based on at least one of theobjects in the physical environment at the location of the user, thelocation of the user, the positioning data, or the monitoring data;receive an interrupting command from a second user; in response to thereal-time status being an abnormal status, perform an action based on atleast one of the objects in the physical environment at the location ofthe user, the location of the user, or the interrupting command from thesecond user.
 14. The multi-functional device according to claim 13,wherein the processor is further configured to: receive a piece ofstatus data; and determine whether the real-time status of the firstuser is an abnormal status based on at least one of the positioningdata, the monitoring data, and the piece of status data.
 15. Themulti-functional device according to claim 13, wherein the real-timestatus comprises at least one of a path of the first user, a location ofthe first user, a moving speed of the first user, a dwelling time of thefirst user, a heart rate of the first user, a body motion of the firstuser, a video recording of the first user, an audio recording of thefirst user, a message by the first user, and a response time of thefirst user, a presence of an inmate, an identity of the inmate, alocation of the inmate, or a moving speed of the inmate.
 16. Themulti-functional device according to claim 15, wherein the abnormalstatus comprises at least one of the path of the first user beingdeviated from a designed path, the location of the first user beingdeviated from a designed location, the moving speed of the first userbeing overly slow, the moving speed of the first user being overly fast,the dwelling time of the first user being overly long, a sudden changeof the heart rate of the first user, a sudden change of the body motionof the first user, abnormal content in the video recording of the firstuser, abnormal content in the audio recording of the first user,abnormal content in the message by the first user, an overly longresponse time of the first user, an abnormal presence of an inmate, anidentity mismatch of the inmate, an abnormal location of the inmate, anoverly fast moving speed of the inmate, an unknown wirelesscommunication signal, a forbidden wireless communication signal, anobject at an abnormal condition, or an object at a forbidden location.17. The multi-functional device according to claim 13, wherein thedatabase further stores profile data for describing the objects in thephysical environment of the user, and the processor is furtherconfigured to generate an augmented reality (AR) element based on theprofile data and the objects in the physical environment.
 18. Themulti-functional device according to claim 17, wherein the AR elementincludes at least one of identities of the objects; profile of theobjects; status of the objects, or the real-time status of the user. 19.A method for positioning and monitoring a user, the method comprising:storing positioning data for determining a location of the user,monitoring data for determining a real-time status associated with theuser, and identification data for identifying objects in a physicalenvironment of the user; receiving a positioning signal and surroundingdata; the positioning signal reflecting the location of the user, andthe surrounding data reflecting the physical environment from thecommunication network; determining the location of the user based on thepositioning signal and the positioning data; recognizing objects in thephysical environment at the location of the user based on thesurrounding data and the identification data; determining whether thereal-time status of the user is an abnormal status based on at least oneof the objects in the physical environment at the location of the user,the location of the user, the positioning data, or the monitoring data;and in response to the real-time status being an abnormal status,performing an action based on at least one of the objects in thephysical environment at the location of the user or the location of theuser.
 20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising:generating an augmented reality (AR) element based on the profile dataand the objects in the physical environment, wherein the AR elementincludes at least one of identities of the objects, profile of theobjects, status of the objects, or the real-time status of the user.